The Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. For the morning, we suggest exploring the temple grounds which includes several shrines, temples, and statues. The stupa is surrounded by shops selling handicrafts, jewelry, and art. For lunch, try the local Newari cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples that were once the residence of the Nepali royalty. In the evening, head to Thamel, a popular tourist district with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.
The Patan Durbar Square is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the city of Patan, which is also known as Lalitpur. The square is a complex of temples, palaces, and courtyards, and is one of the finest examples of traditional Newari architecture in Nepal. For the morning, explore the square and its surroundings. Try the local sweets and snacks at one of the many street vendors. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Golden Temple, which is a Buddhist monastery that is famous for its intricate metalwork and woodcarvings. In the evening, head to Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one of the largest stupas in the world and is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
If you have extra time, we recommend visiting the nearby Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a well-preserved ancient city with numerous temples, pagodas, and palaces. For day trips, you can visit Nagarkot, a hill station that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, or take a short flight to Pokhara, which is a popular tourist destination with lakes, mountains, and adventure activities. To maximize your fun, try the local street food and beverages, take a cooking class, or attend a cultural show.